The 13 Miracles of Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Anthony of Padua, also called the "Miracle Saint", performed numerous miracles. As a thaumaturge, he healed the sick by touching them or simply through their fervent prayers. His intercession is mighty.
The number 13 is associated with Saint Anthony because he died on June 13. This number became symbolic thereafter. Christians pray to him for 13 days leading to his feast in a devotion called the Tredicina. Hence the "13 miracles" designation—though he performed far more. Ten are particularly well-known; here they are.
Discover beautiful prayers to Saint Anthony of Padua, like his "Miracle Prayer".
The Miracle of the Mule
A heretic challenged Saint Anthony, denying Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. Anthony tried to convince him but failed. The man dared the saint to prove Christ’s presence through a miracle, promising conversion if successful.
A hungry mule was brought before hay and the consecrated Host. The animal ignored the food and knelt before the Eucharist. The heretic converted immediately.
The Miracle of the Newborn
In Ferrara, a man refused to hold his newborn son, believing him born of adultery. Saint Anthony took the infant, who then declared:
“In Jesus Christ’s name, true God born of the Virgin Mary, tell us clearly: Who here is your true father?”
The swaddled child turned to his father and announced: “Here is my father!” Anthony commanded the man to cherish his child and wife.
The Miracle of Little Thomas
A mother returned home to find her 20-month-old son Thomas drowned in a basin. She fervently prayed to Saint Anthony, promising his weight in bread for the poor if revived. Her prayer was instantly answered. This began the tradition of pledging a child’s weight in bread for healing.
The Miracle of the Reattached Foot
A Paduan youth confessed to Saint Anthony: “I kicked my mother violently.” Anthony rebuked him: “The foot that strikes a parent deserves instant amputation.”
Overcome with remorse, the youth chopped off his own foot. Learning this, Anthony prayed beside him and reattached the foot. The boy stood up praising God—painless and scarless.
The Miracle of the Miser’s Heart
When a wealthy Tuscan man died, Saint Anthony declared at the vigil: “This corpse cannot be buried in holy ground—it lacks a heart.” Skeptics summoned a doctor. Upon opening the chest, no heart was found—it lay in the man’s money vault.
The Miracle of the Fish
Preaching in heretic-controlled Rimini, Saint Anthony was ignored. He addressed the sea: “Since you scorn God’s word, I preach to fish to shame your unbelief.”
Thousands of fish raised their heads from the water, dancing as they listened. All heretics rushed to hear, converted, and Anthony blessed the fish.
The Miracle of the Spring
Monks begged Anthony for water near their monastery. After his prayer, abundant clear water gushed at his feet with power to heal the sick. Many conversions followed.
The Miracle of the Child Jesus’ Appearance
Devoted to the Child Jesus, Anthony was once seen in ecstasy holding Him at Camposampiero. Before dying, he cried: “I see my Lord!”
The Miracle of Ezzelino’s Conversion
Tyrant Ezzelino da Romano imprisoned many during war. Anthony confronted him:
“Enemy of God! How long will you shed Christian blood? Divine judgment hangs over you!”
Instead of arresting Anthony, Ezzelino trembled: “A supernatural light from this friar’s face terrified me—I felt hell opening!” He later converted.
The Miracle of the Sinner’s Confession
A remorseful man wept wordlessly before Anthony. The saint advised: “Write your sins on paper.”
When Anthony read the list aloud, the paper turned pure white—symbolizing the man’s cleansed soul.
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